JP2013208764A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of saving electric power.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus can switch from a first sleep mode being a normal mode in which power is supplied from a power supply and a second sleep mode in which the power is not supplied from the power supply. A capacitor is charged during the normal mode and the first sleep mode. In the second sleep mode, an RTC part is operated by power supply from the capacitor. In the normal mode and the first sleep mode, an ASIC is operated by power supply from the power supply. The RTC part in the second sleep mode causes the image forming apparatus to shift to the normal mode corresponding to the detection that the image forming apparatus is in a predetermined state. The RTC part reads a flag stored in an EEPROM after shifting to the normal mode, acquires information when the flag indicates to acquire the information regarding the image forming apparatus, and causes the image forming apparatus to shift to the second sleep mode after the acquisition of the information.

Description

  The present specification relates to power saving of an image forming apparatus.

  There is a growing demand for power saving in image forming apparatuses. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that can be driven while switching between a sleep mode with low power consumption and a normal mode with high power consumption.

JP 2004-358963 A

  In the sleep mode, it is necessary to supply power to a circuit that needs to be operated even during sleep, such as a circuit that monitors a device state. Then, it may be difficult to further promote power saving of the image forming apparatus due to the power consumed in the sleep mode. In this specification, the technique which can eliminate such inconvenience is provided.

  The image forming apparatus described in the present specification is an image forming apparatus that has a first state in which power is supplied from the power supply unit to various circuits and a second state in which power is not supplied from the power supply unit to the various circuits. A capacitor that is connected to the power supply unit and charged by the power supply unit during the period of the first state; and a monitoring unit that is connected to the capacitor and is operated by power supply from the capacitor when in the second state; A control unit that operates by supplying power from the power supply unit in the first state, and the monitoring unit responds to detecting that the image forming apparatus is in the predetermined state in the second state. The image forming apparatus is changed to the first state, and the control unit reads the instruction information stored in the storage unit after changing to the first state, and the instruction information instructs acquisition of information about the image forming apparatus. Get information and information After acquisition, characterized in that to transition to the second state.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the image forming apparatus is in the second state (a state where no power is supplied from the power supply unit), the monitoring unit forms an image by supplying power from the capacitor. The device can be monitored. As a result, during a period when the image forming apparatus is not used, no power is supplied from the power supply unit, and the image forming apparatus can be driven only by the power supplied from the capacitor. Therefore, further power saving can be achieved. it can.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the number of circuits (only the monitoring unit) operating in the second state can be reduced as compared with the circuit operating in the first state (entire control unit). Therefore, power consumption can be reduced when the image forming apparatus is in the second state than when it is in the first state.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, since the supply of power can be stopped by the switching unit, it is possible to save power.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, information about the image forming apparatus can be acquired using a sensor. Therefore, it is possible to control whether the image forming apparatus is set to the first state or the second state based on the apparatus state of the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, when the state of the image forming apparatus is changed, the state is changed from the second state to the first state as compared with the case where the state of the image forming apparatus is not changed. The frequency of doing can be increased. As a result, when the state of the image forming apparatus is changing, it is possible to acquire information regarding the image forming apparatus at a higher frequency. Therefore, according to the state of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to switch between control giving priority to power saving and control giving priority to control monitoring the state of the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to detect whether there is a change in the apparatus state between the apparatus state acquired at the time of the previous transition to the first state and the current apparatus state. Therefore, the frequency of transition from the second state to the first state can be changed based on whether or not the apparatus state of the image forming apparatus has changed.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, when the state in which the device information has changed is maintained, the frequency of transition from the second state to the first state as compared with the case in which the device information has not changed. Can be high. As a result, when the state in which the apparatus information has changed is maintained (when the apparatus state needs to be monitored), the apparatus state of the image forming apparatus can be monitored more frequently.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the environmental information can be acquired when the image forming apparatus is in the first state. Therefore, it is possible to control whether the image forming apparatus is set to the first state or the second state based on the environment information.

  The viscosity of ink used for image formation increases as the temperature decreases, and ink clogging is likely to occur in the printing section. In the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, as the temperature of the ink held in the holding unit is lower, the frequency of executing the maintenance process by changing to the first state can be increased. Thereby, the occurrence of ink clogging in the printing unit can be more effectively prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the image forming apparatus can be shifted from the second state to the first state, and processing based on the instruction information can be executed.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a flowchart of a power control process. It is a flowchart of a power control process. It is a flowchart of a power control process. It is a flowchart of a power control process. It is a flowchart of a power control process. It is a flowchart of a power control process. It is a flowchart of a power control process.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present application. The image forming apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus using a recording head that conforms to an inkjet method. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a power supply unit 301, power management apparatuses 100 and 200, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 10, a recording head 11, a paper feed motor 131, an auto document feed motor 132, a flat bed. A motor 133, a carriage motor 134, a capacitor 302, a regulator 303, a remaining capacitor detection means 304, a diode 306, a DDR memory 281 and an EEPROM 282 are provided.

  The power supply unit 301 is a circuit that converts an input AC power AV into a DC power DV and outputs it. The power supply unit 301 also receives a start signal BS, a 0V sleep signal SLEEP1, and an 8V sleep signal SLEEP2. When instructed to shift to the normal mode by the activation signal BS, the power supply unit 301 supplies 31V DC power DV. When instructed to shift to the second sleep mode by the 0V sleep signal SLEEP1, the power supply unit 301 stops the supply of the DC power supply DV. When instructed to shift to the first sleep mode by the 8V sleep signal SLEEP2, the power supply unit 301 supplies the DC power DV of 8V.

  Each of power management devices 100 and 200 is formed as a separate IC (Integrated Circuit). The power management apparatuses 100 and 200 are composite ICs including motor driving means for driving various motors such as a paper feed motor 131 and a DC / DC converter for supplying power.

  The configuration of the power management apparatus 100 will be described. A DC power supply DV is input to the power management apparatus 100. The power management apparatus 100 outputs a voltage V1 (5.0 V), a voltage V4 (3.3 V), an ASIC reset signal ASIC_R, an RTC reset signal RTC_R, a voltage HVDD, and voltages MV1 to MV4. The voltage V1 is input to the power management apparatus 200. The voltage V <b> 1 is input to the capacitor 302, the regulator 303, and the remaining capacitor amount detection unit 304 via the diode 306. The voltage V4 is input to the ASIC 10 and the EEPROM 282. The ASIC reset signal ASIC_R is input to the ASIC 10. The ASIC reset signal ASIC_R is a signal for stopping circuits other than the RTC unit 310 of the ASIC 10. The RTC reset signal RTC_R is input to the ASIC 10. The RTC reset signal RTC_R is a signal for restarting the RTC unit 310 when an abnormality occurs. The voltage HVDD is input to the recording head 11. Each of the voltages MV1 to MV4 is input to each of the paper feed motor 131 to the carriage motor 134.

  The configuration of the power management apparatus 200 will be described. The power management apparatus 200 receives the voltage V1. The power management apparatus 200 outputs a voltage V2 (1.2 V), a voltage V3 (1.5 V), and a voltage V5 (3.3 V). The voltages V2 and V5 are input to the ASIC 10. The voltage V3 is input to the ASIC 10 and the DDR memory 281.

  The capacitor 302 is connected to the cathode terminal of the diode 306, the regulator 303, and the capacitor remaining amount detecting means 304. A voltage VC regulated to a predetermined voltage is output from the regulator 303 and input to the ASIC 10. A signal CS output from the remaining capacitor amount detection unit 304 is input to the ASIC 10. Capacitor remaining amount detecting means 304 is a means for notifying ASIC 10 of a decrease in the remaining amount by signal CS when detecting that the remaining charge amount of capacitor 302 has become smaller than a predetermined value.

  In the normal mode and the first sleep mode, the capacitor 302 is charged by the voltage V1. The regulator 303 operates with the voltage V1. On the other hand, in the second sleep mode, the voltage V1 is no longer supplied from the power management device 100, so that power is supplied from the capacitor 302 to the regulator 303. The regulator 303 generates a voltage VC based on the power from the capacitor 302 and outputs the voltage VC to the ASIC 10. Since the diode 306 is reverse-biased, no power is supplied from the capacitor 302 to the power management apparatus 200. The capacitor remaining amount detecting means 304 monitors the remaining amount of the capacitor 302.

  The capacitor 302 is an electric double layer capacitor. The electric double layer capacitor is also called a super capacitor (registered trademark), a gold capacitor (registered trademark), or an ultracapacitor. The electric double layer capacitor forms an electric double layer by orienting electrolyte ions existing between the electrode and the reverse electrode on the surfaces of the electrode and the reverse electrode by electrostatic interaction during charging. At the time of discharge, the orientation is lost. Since there is no chemical reaction during charging / discharging, the electrode has almost no deterioration and can be used for a long time. In addition, the electric double layer capacitor has a characteristic that it can be charged and discharged in a shorter time than a storage battery. Moreover, it has the characteristic that charge / discharge of larger capacity than an electrolytic capacitor is possible.

  The EEPROM 282 is a nonvolatile memory. The EEPROM 282 stores a periodic maintenance flag, a temperature detection flag, an I / F connection change flag, a cartridge change flag, a jam flag, I / F connection information cartridge information CCS, and a charging time.

  The periodic maintenance flag is information instructing execution of the periodic maintenance process (S152). The temperature detection flag is information for instructing execution of the process for detecting the temperature of the ink (S116). The I / F connection change flag is a flag that is stored when processing for responding to the change is not executed when the connection of the I / F is changed. The cartridge change flag is a flag stored when the ink cartridge 340 is not correctly installed. The jam flag is a flag that is stored when a document or recording paper jam occurs.

  The I / F connection information is information including information about whether or not there is a device connected via the USB host I / F 341 to LAN_I / F 343 and information related to the connected device. The cartridge information CCS is information relating to the ink color of the ink cartridge 340, the ink remaining amount, and the like. The charging time is a time for maintaining the image forming apparatus 1 in the normal mode or the first sleep mode in order to charge the capacitor 302. The charging time only needs to be long enough to complete the charging of the capacitor 302. The charging time may be determined in advance by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1 or the like.

  The DDR memory 281 is a volatile memory. The DDR memory 281 communicates various data with the ASIC 10. The paper feed motor 131 is a motor for feeding the printing paper at the recording position. The auto document feed motor 132 is a motor for continuously feeding a plurality of document sheets. The flat bed motor 133 is a motor for moving the reading unit. The carriage motor 134 is a motor for reciprocating a carriage for printing in the scanning direction. The recording head 11 is a component that performs recording by discharging the ink held in the ink cartridge 340 onto the printing paper in accordance with an ink jet method. The recording head 11 is mounted on the carriage.

  The internal configuration of the ASIC 10 and various circuits connected to the ASIC 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The ASIC 10 is a special-purpose integrated circuit that generates control signals for controlling various circuits. The ASIC 10 may be a system IC or an LSI.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 320 is a circuit that performs information processing related to image formation. The 8V sleep generation means 321 outputs an 8V sleep signal SLEEP2. The 8V sleep signal SLEEP2 is input to the power supply unit 301. The signal SW 1 is input to the 0V sleep generation unit 322. The 0V sleep generation unit 322 outputs a 0V sleep signal SLEEP1. The 0V sleep signal SLEEP1 is input to the power supply unit 301. The recording control unit 323 outputs a signal MS. The signal MS is input to the power management apparatus 100 and the recording head 11. Each of the recording control units 323 communicates with the DDR memory 281 and the EEPROM 282 via a dedicated bus. The ASIC reset signal ASIC_R is input to the ASIC reset circuit 324.

  An RTC (real-time clock) unit 310 will be described. A voltage VC is supplied from the regulator 303 to the RTC unit 310. On the other hand, voltages V2 to V5 are supplied to the ASIC 10. Therefore, in the normal mode and the first sleep mode, the entire ASIC 10 including the RTC unit 310 operates. On the other hand, in the second sleep mode, only the RTC unit 310 operates.

  The RTC unit 310 includes an OR circuit 311, a first holding unit 312, a transmission circuit 313, a counter 314, a second holding unit 315, a third holding unit 316, a power supply control unit 317, and a cover sensor detection unit 318. When the first holding unit 312 receives a notification that the remaining charge amount of the capacitor 302 is less than a predetermined value through the signal CS, the first holding unit 312 stores a charge flag. Then, a high level notification signal AS1 is output to the OR circuit 311. The clock signal CLK2 is input to the transmission circuit 313. From the transmission circuit 313, a clock signal CK based on the clock signal CLK2 is output. The clock signal CK is input to the counter 314.

  The counter 314 counts up based on the input clock signal CK. The counter 314 includes a register (not shown). Various device information detection times can be set in the register of the counter 314. Thereby, the counter 314 can detect that the device information detection time set in the register has arrived.

  The time set as the device information detection time in the register of the counter 314 includes ink temperature detection time, I / F connection change time, cartridge change time, jam detection time, and regular maintenance time. The ink temperature detection time is a time determined based on the execution cycle of the process of measuring the ink temperature in the ink cartridge 340 using the temperature sensor 333. The I / F connection change time is a time determined based on the execution cycle of the process of acquiring I / F connection information (S212). The cartridge change time is a time determined based on the execution cycle of the process (S312) for acquiring the cartridge information CCS. The jam detection time is a time determined based on the execution cycle of the process of acquiring information from various sensors (S412). The regular maintenance time is a time that is determined based on a cycle in which a regular maintenance process (S152) described later is executed. The regular maintenance time is a time that can be changed by an update process (S118) of a regular maintenance process described later. The I / F connection change time, the cartridge change time, and the jam detection time are set with a shorter cycle than the ink temperature detection time. An example of the cycle of the I / F connection change time, the cartridge change time, and the jam detection time is 15 minutes. An example of the period of the ink temperature detection time is 3 hours. The regular maintenance time is set at a cycle longer than the ink temperature detection time. An example of a periodic maintenance time cycle is 30 days.

  When the second holding unit 315 receives a notification from the counter 314 that the device information detection time has arrived, the second holding unit 315 stores a counter flag. Then, a high level notification signal AS2 is output to the OR circuit 311.

  The third holding unit 316 stores the power ON flag when receiving the notification that the input of the activation command by the user has been received via the signal SW1. Then, a high level notification signal AS3 is output to the OR circuit 311.

  Notification signals AS <b> 1 to AS <b> 3 are input to the OR circuit 311. The signal OS1 output from the OR circuit 311 is input to the power supply control unit 317. When any of the notification signals AS1 to AS3 becomes high level, the signal OS1 becomes high level. The power supply control means 317 receives the signal OS1 and the reset signal RTC_R. The power supply control means 317 outputs a 0V sleep signal SLEEP1 and a start signal BS. The cover sensor detection means 318 receives the signal SS1.

  The ASIC 10 includes an oscillator 305, a power switch 331, a cover sensor 332, a temperature sensor 333, a touch panel 334, a backlight unit 335, a document sensor 336, a document leading edge sensor 337, a registration sensor 338, an ink cartridge 340, and a USB host I / F 341. , USB_I / F 342, LAN_I / F 343, and media card I / F 344 are further connected.

  The clock signal CLK <b> 2 is input from the oscillator 305 to the ASIC 10. The power switch 331 is a switch that accepts an activation command for the image forming apparatus 1 by the user. The signal SW1 is input from the power switch 331 to the ASIC 10. The cover sensor 332 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the cover of the ink cartridge 340. The signal SS1 is input from the cover sensor 332 to the ASIC 10. The temperature sensor 333 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the ink held in the ink cartridge 340. The temperature sensor 333 may be an NTC thermistor, for example. The signal SS2 is input from the temperature sensor 333 to the ASIC 10. A signal TS is input from the touch panel 334 to the ASIC 10. The backlight unit is a light source that illuminates the panel of the touch panel 334 from the back. The backlight unit 335 operates in the normal mode. A signal LS is output from the ASIC 10 to the backlight unit 335. The document sensor 336 is a sensor that detects whether or not a document is set on an unillustrated auto document feeder. A signal SS3 is output from the document sensor 336 to the ASIC 10. The document leading edge sensor 337 is a sensor that detects the leading edge of the document sheet. The signal SS4 is input from the document leading edge sensor 337 to the ASIC 10. The registration sensor 338 is a sensor that detects the leading edge of the recording paper. The signal SS5 is input from the registration sensor 338 to the ASIC 10.

  The ink cartridge 340 is a part that holds ink used for image formation. The ink cartridge 340 includes an ink cartridge IC 339. The ink cartridge IC 339 is an IC that stores cartridge information CCS. The cartridge information CCS is information relating to the ink color of the cartridge, the ink remaining amount, and the like. The ASIC 10 communicates cartridge information CCS with the ink cartridge IC 339.

  The USB host I / F 341 and the USB_I / F 342 are I / Fs that perform USB connection. The ASIC 10 communicates the signal USB_S with the USB host I / F 341. The ASIC 10 communicates a signal IF_S with the USB_I / F 342. The LAN_I / F 343 is an I / F that performs LAN connection. The ASIC 10 communicates a signal LAN_S with the LAN_I / F 343. The media card I / F 344 is an I / F that connects to various storage cards having a nonvolatile memory. The ASIC 10 communicates a signal MC_S with the media card I / F 344.

<Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1>
The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 reciprocates a carriage (not shown) on which a recording head 11 that performs recording by discharging ink is mounted by a carriage motor 231. Specifically, the carriage is reciprocated along a guide shaft (not shown) by forward rotation and reverse rotation of the carriage motor 231. Further, by driving the paper feed motor 131, the printing paper is fed through a paper feed mechanism (not shown), conveyed to the recording position, and ink is applied from the recording head 11 to the surface of the printing paper at the recording position. Recording is performed by discharging.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a normal mode, a first sleep mode, and a second sleep mode. In the normal mode, 31 V DC power DV is supplied from the power supply unit 301. In the normal mode, the paper feed motor 131 and the like can be driven. In the first sleep mode, 8V DC power DV is supplied from the power supply unit 301. In the first sleep mode, power is not supplied to various motors such as the paper feed motor 131. In the second sleep mode, the supply of the DC power DV from the power supply unit 301 is stopped. In the second sleep mode, power is supplied only to the RTC unit 310, the remaining capacitor amount detection means 304, the power switch 331, and the oscillator 305. In the second sleep mode, the RTC unit 310 is supplied with power from the capacitor 302 instead of from the power supply unit 301.

<Power control processing>
The power control process performed by the ASIC 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. This power control process is a process performed by the CPU 320 under software control.

  The flow in FIG. 3 is started in response to the image forming apparatus 1 shifting from the second sleep mode to the normal mode. The transition from the second sleep mode to the normal mode is performed in response to the detection that the image forming apparatus 1 has entered any one of the first to third predetermined states. The first predetermined state is a state in which the remaining charge of the capacitor 302 is lower than a predetermined amount. The second predetermined state is a state that requires maintenance processing. The third predetermined state is a state in which an activation command is input from the power switch 331. The first to third predetermined states are detected by the RTC unit 310. Specifically, when any one of the notification signals AS1 to AS3 goes to a high level, the signal OS1 output from the OR circuit 311 enters the first to third predetermined states in response to the transition to a high level. Is detected. When it is detected that the first to third predetermined states have been reached, the power supply control means 317 transmits to the power supply unit 301 a start signal BS signal for supplying 31V DC power DV. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the second sleep mode to the normal mode.

  In S <b> 12, the CPU 320 acquires a flag stored in any of the first holding unit 312, the second holding unit 315, and the third holding unit 316. In S14, the CPU 320 determines whether the acquired flag is a charge flag (stored in the first holding unit 312), a counter flag (stored in the second holding unit 315), or a power ON flag (stored in the third holding unit 316). It is judged whether it is.

  When the charge flag is acquired (S14: charge flag), the process proceeds to S18. In S <b> 18, the CPU 320 causes the 8V sleep generation unit 321 to transmit the 8V sleep signal SLEEP <b> 2 to the power supply unit 301. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the normal mode to the first sleep mode. In S20, CPU 320 determines whether or not the charging time has elapsed. If the charging time has not elapsed (S20: NO), the process returns to S20, and if it has elapsed (S20: YES), the process proceeds to S22. In S <b> 22, the CPU 320 erases the charge flag stored in the first holding unit 312. In S24, the CPU 320 causes the 0V sleep generation unit 322 to transmit the 0V sleep signal SLEEP1 to the power supply unit 301. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the first sleep mode to the second sleep mode. Then, the flow ends.

  On the other hand, when the counter flag is acquired in S14 (S14: counter flag), the process proceeds to S32. In S32, the CPU 320 executes a maintenance process. The details of the maintenance process will be described later. Then, the flow ends.

  If the power ON flag is acquired in S14 (S14: counter flag), the process proceeds to S34. In S34, the CPU 320 executes normal processing. The details of the normal process will be described later. Then, the flow ends.

  The maintenance process (S32) will be described with reference to FIG. In S112, the CPU 320 reads the flag stored in the EEPROM 282. The types of flags read in S112 include a regular maintenance flag, a temperature detection flag, an I / F connection change flag, a cartridge change flag, and a jam flag. Then, processing corresponding to the read flag type is executed. Thereby, it can be confirmed using the flag which processing has been executed to return from the second sleep mode to the normal mode.

  If the temperature detection flag is read in S112 (S112: temperature detection flag), the process proceeds to S116. In S <b> 116, the CPU 320 uses the temperature sensor 333 to measure the temperature of the ink held in the ink cartridge 340.

In S118, the CPU 320 updates the periodic maintenance time stored in the EEPROM 282. Specifically, the next periodic maintenance time is adjusted so that the previous periodic maintenance time becomes closer to the next periodic maintenance time as the ink temperature measured in S116 is lower. In S120, the CPU 320 temporarily stores the ink temperature detection time in the EEPROM 282 as a candidate of the device information detection time to be stored in the counter 314. In S122, the CPU 320 deletes the counter flag stored in the second holding unit 315.

  In S124, the CPU 320 executes an I / F connection detection process. The contents of the I / F connection detection process will be described later. In S126, the CPU 320 executes cartridge detection processing. The contents of the cartridge detection process will be described later. In S128, the CPU 320 executes a paper detection process. The contents of the paper detection process will be described later.

  In S <b> 140, the CPU 320 selects the closest time among the times temporarily stored in the EEPROM 282 (time that is a candidate for the device information detection time stored in the counter 314). The time temporarily stored in the EEPROM 282 includes, for example, the ink temperature detection time (S120), the regular maintenance time (S154 and S118), the I / F connection change time (S224), and the erroneous mounting setting time (S324). , Jam detection time (S434), and the like. Then, the CPU 320 stores the selected closest time in the register of the counter 314 as the device information detection time.

  In S <b> 140, the CPU 320 stores a flag of processing related to the shortest time in the EEPROM 282. The types of flags stored in the EEPROM 282 include a regular maintenance flag, a temperature detection flag, an I / F connection change flag, a cartridge change flag, and a jam flag.

  In S142, the CPU 320 causes the 0V sleep generation unit 322 to transmit the 0V sleep signal SLEEP1 to the power supply unit 301. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the first sleep mode to the second sleep mode. Then, the flow ends.

  On the other hand, when the I / F connection change flag is read from the EEPROM 282 in S112 (S112: I / F connection change flag), the process proceeds to S130. In S130, the CPU 320 executes an I / F connection detection process. The contents of the I / F connection detection process will be described later. If the cartridge change flag is read in S112 (S112: cartridge change flag), the process proceeds to S132. In S132, the CPU 320 executes a cartridge detection process. The contents of the cartridge detection process will be described later. If the jam flag is read in S112 (S112: jam flag), the process proceeds to S134. In S134, the CPU 320 executes paper detection processing. The contents of the paper detection process will be described later.

  If the regular maintenance flag is read from the EEPROM 282 in S112 (S112: Regular maintenance flag), the process proceeds to S152 (FIG. 5). In S152, the CPU 320 executes a regular maintenance process. In the periodic maintenance process, for example, a process for maintaining the nozzles of the recording head 11 such as purging or flushing may be executed.

  In S154, the CPU 320 stores the initial value of the regular maintenance time (eg, 30 days after the previous regular maintenance time) in the EEPROM 282 as the next time to execute the regular maintenance process. In S156, the CPU 320 deletes the counter flag stored in the second holding unit 315. Then, the process proceeds to S140 (FIG. 4).

  The I / F connection detection process performed in S124 and S130 will be described with reference to FIG. In S212, the CPU 320 acquires I / F connection information from the USB host I / F 341 to LAN_I / F 343. In S214, the CPU 320 determines whether there has been a change in LAN connection or USB connection. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the I / F connection information acquired in S212 matches the I / F connection information stored in the EEPROM 282. When there is a change (S214: YES), the process proceeds to S218, and when there is no change (S214: NO), the process proceeds to S216.

  In S <b> 216, the CPU 320 determines whether or not an I / F connection change flag is stored in the EEPROM 282. If the I / F connection change flag is not stored (S216: NO), it is determined that the LAN connection or USB connection has been changed, and the process proceeds to S226. On the other hand, when the I / F connection change flag is stored (S216: YES), it is determined that the process for responding to the change of the LAN connection or the USB connection is not executed, and the process proceeds to S218.

  In S <b> 218, the CPU 320 executes notification processing that notifies the user that processing for responding to a change in LAN connection or USB connection is executed. In the notification process, for example, a character string such as “Turn on the device connected to the image forming apparatus” may be displayed on the touch panel 334. The notification process may be performed for a predetermined time.

  In S <b> 220, the CPU 320 determines whether a setting change notification has been received from a device connected to the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when a PC (Personal Computer) (not shown) is connected via the USB_I / F 342, when reading of driver information corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1 is completed on the PC side, a setting change notification is received from the PC. It is good. When the setting change notification has not been received from the connection destination device (S220: NO), the process proceeds to S224. In S224, the CPU 320 temporarily stores the I / F connection change time (for example, after 15 minutes) in the EEPROM 282 as a candidate of the device information detection time to be stored in the counter 314. Further, the I / F connection change flag is stored in the EEPROM 282.

  On the other hand, when the setting change notification is received from the connection destination device (S220: YES), the process proceeds to S222. In S222, the CPU 320 deletes the I / F connection change flag from the EEPROM 282. Also, the I / F connection change time temporarily stored in the EEPROM 282 is deleted. In step S226, the CPU 320 stores the I / F connection information in the EEPROM 282. Then, the flow ends.

  The cartridge detection process performed in S126 and S132 will be described with reference to FIG. In S <b> 312, the CPU 320 acquires cartridge information CCS from the ink cartridge IC 339. In S314, the CPU 320 determines whether or not a change has occurred in the cartridge information. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the cartridge information acquired in S312 matches the cartridge information stored in the EEPROM 282. If a change has occurred (S314: YES), the process proceeds to S318, and if no change has occurred (S314: NO), the process proceeds to S316.

  In S316, the CPU 320 determines whether or not a cartridge change flag is stored in the EEPROM 282. If the cartridge change flag is not stored (S316: NO), it is determined that the ink cartridge 340 is correctly installed, and the process proceeds to S326. On the other hand, when the cartridge change flag is stored (S316: YES), it is determined that the process for responding to the replacement of the ink cartridge 340 is not executed, and the process proceeds to S318.

  In S <b> 318, the CPU 320 executes notification processing for notifying the user that processing for responding to replacement of the ink cartridge 340 is executed. In the notification process, for example, a character string such as “Please check the ink cartridge” may be displayed on the touch panel 334. The notification process may be performed for a predetermined time.

  In S320, the CPU 320 determines whether or not the ink cartridge 340 is erroneously mounted. As an example of erroneous mounting, there is a case where the color of the mounting portion of the cartridge is different from the color of the mounted cartridge. If the ink cartridge 340 is incorrectly installed (S320: YES), the process proceeds to S324. In S324, the CPU 320 temporarily stores in the EEPROM 282 the setting time at the time of erroneous mounting (for example, after 15 minutes) as a candidate of the device information detection time to be stored in the counter 314. Further, the cartridge change flag is stored in the EEPROM 282.

  On the other hand, if the ink cartridge 340 is not erroneously mounted (S320: NO), the process proceeds to S322. In S322, the CPU 320 erases the cartridge change flag from the EEPROM 282. In addition, the setting time at the time of erroneous mounting temporarily stored in the EEPROM 282 is deleted. Then, the process proceeds to S326.

  In S326, the CPU 320 determines whether or not the ink cartridge 340 has been replaced. An example of a method for determining whether or not the ink cartridge 340 has been replaced is to determine whether or not the remaining amount of ink has changed. If it has been replaced (S326: YES), the process proceeds to S328, and maintenance processing (purging, flushing, etc.) of the recording head 11 is executed. Then, the process returns to S326. On the other hand, if the ink cartridge 340 has not been replaced (S326: NO), the process proceeds to S330. In S330, the CPU 320 acquires the cartridge information CCS from the replaced ink cartridge 340 and stores it in the EEPROM 282. Then, the flow ends.

  The sheet detection process performed in S128 and S134 will be described with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 412, the CPU 320 acquires various types of information from the document sensor 336, the document leading edge sensor 337, and the registration sensor 338. In S414, CPU 320 determines whether or not signal SS3 indicating that a document is set in an auto document feeder (not shown) has been received from document sensor 336. If a document is not set (S414: NO), the process proceeds to S418, and if a document is set (S414: YES), the process proceeds to S416. In S416, the CPU 320 executes notification processing for notifying the user that a document is set in an auto document feeder (not shown). In the notification process, for example, a character string such as “a document is set” may be displayed on the touch panel 334. The notification process may be performed for a predetermined time.

  In S418, the CPU 320 has received a signal SS4 from the document leading edge sensor 337 indicating that the leading edge of the document is present at the reading position, or a signal SS5 indicating that the leading edge of the recording sheet is present at the position during printing. Is received from the registration sensor 338. When these signals are not received (S418: NO), the process proceeds to S426. On the other hand, if these signals are received (S418: YES), it is determined that the document or recording sheet is located in the middle of the transport path (when a paper jam has occurred), and the process proceeds to S422. move on. In S422, the CPU 320 drives the paper feed motor 131 and the auto document feed motor 132 to execute the paper discharge process.

  In S424, the CPU 320 has received from the document leading edge sensor 337 a signal SS4 indicating that the leading edge of the document is present at the reading position, or a signal SS5 indicating that the leading edge of the recording paper is present at the position where printing is being performed. Is again determined from the registration sensor 338. When these signals are received (S424: YES), it is determined that the document or recording paper is still jammed, and the process proceeds to S428. On the other hand, if these signals are not received (S424: NO), the process proceeds to S426. In S426, the CPU 320 determines whether or not a jam flag is stored in the EEPROM 282. If the jam flag is not stored (S426: NO), it is determined that no document or recording paper jam has occurred, and the process proceeds to S432. On the other hand, if the jam flag is stored (S426: YES), it is determined that a document or recording paper jam has occurred, and the process proceeds to S428. In S <b> 428, the CPU 320 executes notification processing for notifying the user that a document or recording paper jam has occurred. In the notification process, for example, a character string such as “A paper jam has occurred” may be displayed on the touch panel 334. The notification process may be performed for a predetermined time.

  In S430, the CPU 320 has received a signal SS4 from the document leading edge sensor 337 indicating that the leading edge of the document is present at the reading position or a signal SS5 indicating that the leading edge of the recording sheet is present at the position during printing. Is again determined from the registration sensor 338. When these signals are received (S430: YES), it is determined that the document or the recording paper is still jammed, and the process proceeds to S434. In S434, the CPU 320 temporarily stores the jam detection time (for example, after 15 minutes) in the EEPROM 282 as a candidate of the device information detection time to be stored in the counter 314. The jam flag is stored in the EEPROM 282.

  On the other hand, if these signals have not been received (S430: NO), it is determined that there is no paper jam in the document or recording paper, and the process proceeds to S432. In S432, the CPU 320 deletes the jam flag from the EEPROM 282. In addition, the jam detection time temporarily stored in the EEPROM 282 is deleted. Then, the flow ends.

  The normal process (S34) will be described with reference to FIG. In S510, the CPU 320 executes general processing. An example of a general process is a printing process. In S512, the CPU 320 determines whether or not the condition for shifting to the first sleep mode is satisfied. An example of the transition condition is a condition in which a predetermined time elapses without any command being input to the image forming apparatus 1. When the transition condition is not satisfied (S512: NO), the process proceeds to S516, and when the transition condition is satisfied (S512: YES), the process proceeds to S514. In S514, the CPU 320 causes the 8V sleep generation unit 321 to transmit the 8V sleep signal SLEEP2 to the power supply unit 301. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the normal mode to the first sleep mode. Then, the process proceeds to S516.

  In S516, CPU 320 determines whether or not an input of a command to shift to the second sleep mode has been accepted. The input of the instruction to shift to the second sleep mode may be received by the power switch 331, for example. When the input of the transition command is not accepted (S516: NO), the process returns to S510, and when the input of the transition command is accepted (S516: YES), the process proceeds to S5118. In S518, the CPU 320 causes the 0V sleep generation unit 322 to transmit the 0V sleep signal SLEEP1 to the power supply unit 301. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the first sleep mode to the second sleep mode. Then, the flow ends.

<Effect>
The effects of the image forming apparatus 1 disclosed in this specification will be described. According to the image forming apparatus 1, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the second sleep mode (a mode in which no power is supplied from the power supply unit 301), the RTC unit 310 forms an image by supplying power from the capacitor 302. The device 1 can be monitored. As a result, during the period when the image forming apparatus 1 is not used, the image forming apparatus 1 can be driven only by the power supply from the capacitor 302 without being supplied with power from the power supply unit 301, thereby further reducing power consumption. Can be achieved.

  When the state of the image forming apparatus 1 has changed (S214, S314: YES), the I / F connection change time (S224) or the erroneous mounting setting time (S324) is used as the device information detection time stored in the counter 314. ) Is used. The device information detection time (I / F connection change time, incorrect attachment setting time, etc.) when the state of the image forming apparatus 1 has changed is the device information when the state of the image forming apparatus has not changed. Compared to the detection time (ink temperature detection time, periodic maintenance time, etc.), it is set at a shorter cycle. Therefore, when the state of the image forming apparatus is changing, the frequency of transition from the second sleep mode to the normal mode can be made higher than when the state of the image forming apparatus is not changing. . As a result, when the state of the image forming apparatus 1 is changed (when monitoring of the apparatus state is necessary), it is possible to acquire information related to the image forming apparatus 1 more frequently (S212, S312). It becomes. Therefore, according to the state of the image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to switch between control giving priority to power saving and control giving priority to control for monitoring the state of the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, an I / F connection change flag (S224) indicating that the I / F connection change is not supported, and a cartridge change flag (S324) indicating that the ink cartridge 340 is not correctly installed are displayed. It can be stored in the EEPROM 282. Therefore, when the I / F connection change is not supported, or when the ink cartridge 340 is erroneously mounted (that is, when monitoring of the apparatus state is necessary) (S216, S316), the second sleep mode is normally set. By increasing the frequency of transition to the mode, the apparatus state of the image forming apparatus can be monitored more frequently.

  The ink held in the ink cartridge 340 increases in viscosity as the temperature decreases, and ink clogging in the recording head 11 is likely to occur. In the image forming apparatus 1, the lower the ink temperature, the higher the frequency of executing the maintenance process by switching to the normal mode (S118). Thereby, the occurrence of ink clogging in the recording head 11 can be more effectively prevented.

  As the capacitor 302, an electric double layer capacitor is used. Since the electric double layer capacitor is not accompanied by movement of ions during charging, the charging can be completed earlier than when a secondary battery or the like is used. Therefore, charging of the capacitor 302 can be completed while the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the normal mode or the first sleep mode and performs other processing. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need to maintain the image forming apparatus 1 in the normal mode or the first sleep mode only for charging the capacitor 302, and further power saving can be achieved.

<Modification>
The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The information measured in S116 is not limited to the ink temperature. Information regarding the environment around the image forming apparatus 1 (room temperature, humidity, etc.) may be measured. Then, the regular maintenance time may be adjusted (S118) in consideration of room temperature and humidity. Thereby, the occurrence of ink clogging in the recording head 11 can be further effectively prevented.

  In S <b> 118, the method for updating the regular maintenance time based on the ink temperature may be various methods. For example, an update method in which the interval between the previous regular maintenance time and the next regular maintenance time becomes longer as the ink temperature is higher may be used.

  In S20, the method of detecting the completion of charging of the capacitor 302 is not limited to the method using the charging time, and various methods can be used. For example, when it is detected that the remaining charge amount of the capacitor 302 is larger than a predetermined value using the capacitor remaining amount detecting means 304, it is detected that the charging of the capacitor 302 is completed, and the charge flag is set. It may be erased (S22).

  The flow in FIG. 3 is started in response to the image forming apparatus 1 shifting from the second sleep mode to the normal mode, but is not limited to this mode. The flow of FIG. 3 may be started in response to the image forming apparatus 1 shifting from the second sleep mode to the first sleep mode. Then, it is necessary to execute processing that requires the paper feed motor 131 to carriage motor 134 to operate (paper detection processing, FIG. 8) and processing that requires the recording head 11 to operate (periodic maintenance processing, FIG. 5). If it occurs, the first sleep mode may be shifted to the normal mode.

  Various methods can be used as a method for storing various device information detection times in the register of the counter 314. For example, various device information detection times may be stored as counter values.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an inkjet image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus, and can be applied to control circuits of various devices.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  The power supply unit 301 is an example of a power supply unit. The normal mode and the first sleep mode are examples of the first state. The second sleep mode is an example of the second state. The RTC 310 is an example of a monitoring unit. The ASIC 10 (including the CPU 320) is an example of a control unit. The EEPROM 282 is an example of a storage unit. The regular maintenance flag, temperature detection flag, I / F connection change flag, cartridge change flag, and jam flag are examples of instruction information. The ink temperature, I / F connection information, cartridge information, and various types of information (S412) are examples of information. The 0V sleep signal SLEEP1 is an example of a stop signal. The power control unit 317 is an example of a switching unit. The cycle of the ink temperature detection time is an example of the first device information time. The cycle of the I / F connection change time and the cycle of the cartridge change time are examples of the second device information time. The I / F connection change flag and the cartridge change flag are examples of change information. The ink temperature is an example of environmental information. The ink cartridge 340 is an example of a holding unit. The recording head 11 is an example of a printing unit.

  1: Image forming apparatus, 10: ASIC, 100 and 200: power management apparatus, 282: EEPROM, 301: power supply unit, 302: capacitor, 310: RTC unit

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus having a first state in which power is supplied to various circuits from a power supply unit and a second state in which power is not supplied from the power supply unit to the various circuits,
A capacitor connected to the power supply unit and charged by the power supply unit during the period of the first state;
When connected to the capacitor and in the second state, a monitoring unit that operates by supplying power from the capacitor;
In the case of the first state, a control unit that operates by supplying power from the power supply unit;
With
The monitoring unit changes the image forming apparatus to the first state in response to detecting that the image forming apparatus is in a predetermined state in the second state,
The control unit reads the instruction information stored in the storage unit after transitioning to the first state,
The image forming apparatus, wherein when the instruction information instructs acquisition of information related to the image forming apparatus, the information is acquired, and after the acquisition of the information, the state is shifted to the second state.   The said control part contains the said monitoring part, While the said whole control part operate | moves in the said 1st state, Only the monitoring part operates among the said control parts in the said 2nd state, The said control part is characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus. The monitoring unit further includes a switching unit that transmits a stop signal for stopping the supply of power to the power supply unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the switching unit to transmit the stop signal to the power supply unit after obtaining the information. A sensor that operates in the first state;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition of information related to the image forming apparatus includes acquisition of apparatus information detected by the sensor. The monitoring unit includes a counter, detects that the device information detection time set in the counter is in the predetermined state,
The storage unit stores the device information acquired by the control unit last time,
The control unit acquires the device information acquired when the first device information time as the device information detection time has elapsed and transitioned to the first state, and the device information stored in the storage unit If different, set a second device information time shorter than the first device information time as the device information detection time,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is shifted to the second state. When the acquired device information is different from the device information stored in the storage unit, the control unit stores change information indicating a change in device information in the storage unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is changed to the second state.   When the acquired device information is equal to the device information stored in the storage unit and change information is stored in the storage unit, the control unit sets the second device information acquisition time to the The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein after the apparatus information detection time is set, the state is changed to the second state. Acquisition of information regarding the image forming apparatus includes at least acquisition of environment information of the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires the environment information when the image forming apparatus is in the first state. The image forming apparatus includes:
A holding unit for holding ink used for image formation;
A printing unit for discharging the ink;
Further comprising
The process of acquiring the environmental information executed by the control unit includes a process of measuring at least the temperature of the ink held in the holding unit,
The control unit sets the device information detection time so that the time is shortened as the measured temperature of the ink is lower,
The monitoring unit detects that the image forming apparatus is in the predetermined state in response to the elapse of the apparatus information detection time;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the instruction information indicates maintenance, the control unit performs maintenance processing of the printing unit according to the set instruction information. The monitoring unit is capable of detecting that the image forming apparatus is in any one of a plurality of states including the predetermined state in the second state;
The monitoring unit transitions to the first state in response to detecting that any of the plurality of states is present,
The control unit reads instruction information stored in a storage unit when the state detected by the monitoring unit is the predetermined state indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.

Images